1998 Honda Accord

Honda Introduces Next Generation Accord

Torrance, CA (August 26, 1997)

Finally on Tuesday, all of the speculation and spy photos are moot, as Honda Motor Co. Ltd. introduced its all-new, bigger, better and more luxo flagship, the 1998 Accord.

Following Honda's long standing introduction scheduling, the new Accord Sedan will go on sale in late September, followed in a month by the Coupe. Pricing is expected to be similar to the smaller 1997 models, although the new models boast refinements in ride, handling, engines and expanded interiors that are, according to EPA standards, roomier than both Ford Taurus and 1997's best-selling Toyota Camry.

Honda's intensive cost reduction efforts and gains in production efficiency has enabled the automaker to simultaneously reduce costs and add features, no mean feat in today's global marketplace. Honda officials state that 1998 Accord V6 models are expected to cost less than the current V6 models and will include wood accent trim in the top-of-the-line EX V6 models,

All Accords sold in the U.S. will be manufactured exclusively at Honda's Marysville, Ohio plant, with USA built engines and drivetrains, giving the Accord a total domestic content of 97%, which is on par with many of the Big Three's offerings. Accords that are built and sold in Japan will be slightly smaller than their U.S. conterparts.

All 1998 U.S. built Honda engines including the 2.3L VTEC 4cyl and a 3.0L V6, will meet California's stringent LEV(Low Emission Vehicle) standards. In California, Honda will also offer an Accord 4cyl model with an automatic transmission that meets the ULEV(Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standards, making it the cleanest gasoline powered vehicle ever sold.

Although the styling continues to be conservative with a capital "C", the Accord's increased size and host of technological refinements, packaged with Honda's virtually bullet-proof reputation for build quality and durability should return the Accord to the #1 selling car spot in 1998.

1998 Honda Accord LX Sedan

Preliminary Specifications:

• Projected Base Price: $18,200.00, Plus $395.00 Destination Charge
• Vehicle Type: 5-passenger, 4 door, front-wheel drive sedan
  
• Engine: 2.3 liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
  
• Horsepower: 150bhp SAE net @ 5700rpm
  
• Torque: 152 lb-feet @ 4900 RPM
• Transmission: 5sp manual
  
• EPA mileage estimate: 25/31 City/Highway
• Suspension: 4-wheel independent w/front double wishbone/rear multi-link
• Steering: Variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion
• Brakes: Anti-lock disc brakes (available at extra cost)
• Restraint: Dual air bags
• Wheelbase: 106.9 in.
• Overall Length: 188.8 in.
• Overall Width: 70.3 in.
• Overall Height: 56.9 in.
• Curb Weight: 2976
• Cargo Volume: 14.1 Cubic Feet

• Performance
  • 0-60mph: 9.6 seconds
  • Top Speed: 124 mph

Special thanks to Al Friedland of Burnsville Honda Lincoln Mercury in Burnsville, MN for corrections.

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